Emirates Team New Zealand

Emirates announces renewal of its sponsorship, as Emirates Team New Zealand target 34th America’s Cup success

Emirates’ sponsorship of Emirates Team New Zealand dates back to 2004 and has helped put Emirates firmly on the map in many parts of the world and with many audiences. Emirates announced its renewed commitment in March 2011 as the team took initial steps towards mounting their challenge for the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco in 2013, the oldest trophy in international sport and the pinnacle of world sailing.

The Auckland based team, who initially won the America’s Cup in 1995 before successfully defending the title in 2000, will be looking to prove their winning credentials once again as an ultra-competitive field takes to the ocean in San Francisco later this year. Emirates will also be supporting the team in their quest for glory in the Louis Vuitton Trophy and the MedCup.

The team will race both the newly introduced and eagerly anticipated AC45 and AC72 catamaran in 2013, with the AC45 being debuted in America’s Cup pre-regattas in 2011 and 2012. Grant Dalton, Emirates Team New Zealand Managing Director, recently paid tribute to the long-term support of Emirates, saying "We have made considerable progress because the Emirates Team New Zealand brand is an international leader, well recognized within the sport. Emirates decision to stay with us is important and we are fortunate to have such loyal and committed sponsors.”

Emirates currently offers 28 flights to New Zealand each week and was the first airline to introduce the A380 superjumbo to the region in 2011.